School spending

Much has been made about how we need to spend more on our public schools. In their 2005 report, Public Education Finances states that in New York City, the largest school district in the country, per pupil spending was $13,755. That's thirteen thousand seven hundred and fifty five dollars per student!

These school systems received $488.5 billion in 2005, up from $462.7 billion the previous year. Of the total, 47 percent came from state governments, 43.9 percent from local sources and 9.1 percent from the federal government. (U.S. Census Bureau)

In contrast, the average per pupil cost in our Catholic schools is $5,500 (with the average tuition of $3,500).

The graduation rates for students in NYC public schools is pretty dismal at 45.2% - fifth lowest among the 50 largest districts in the country whereas graduation rates for a Catholic school is roughly double.

On salaries. Salaries for New York City public school teachers range up to $70,000. Elementary school teachers in Catholic schools make a maximum of roughly $37,000; high school teachers max out around the low end of $40,000+.

Is the answer really to throw more money into our public school systems?